Richard A. Howard

*NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC:* The Code of Judicial Conduct governing behavior by judges forbids the Judges of the Fifth Judicial Circuit to discuss pending cases with the public. Please do not call the Court expecting to speak with a Judge about any case. The Court is only allowed to consider arguments made in the courtroom and in documents properly filed by actual parties in the case as authorized by law and the Rules of Court. The Court cannot ethically read or consider any other opinions or arguments about the case. Communications that do not meet these legal requirements cannot be forwarded to the Judges.

Transferred to Sumter County (Bushnell) Office, promoted to Division Supervisor for the Lake-Sumter County Offices. Responsible for Supervision of seven prosecutors and support staff of approximately 20 people, as well as all major cases, in the two counties. (1985-1988)

Established a practice with Brick, Davis, Marlowe and Howard in Brooksville, Florida (1990-1993)

Established sole practice as Richard A. Howard PA (1993-2000)

Judicial History

Appointed By Governor Jeb Bush in December 2000 formally sworn in on January 17th, 2001

Initially assigned to the Family Law docket, which includes divorce, post-dissolution actions, custody, property disputes, and visitation as well as juvenile delinquency and dependency cases.

Assigned to criminal docket (Felony) in November 2011.

Qualified to handle Death Penalty cases

Presided over approximately 300 jury trials, including the highly publicized murder case of John Evander Couey conducted in Miami, Florida February to March 2007.

Part of a coordinated group effort to establish the Citrus County Mental Court which began receiving cases January 2008.

Honored by the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency (FCCA) Chapter 27 (West Central Florida) with the prestigious Distinguished Service Award for Judicial service on August 18th, 2010.

Top Priorities

To maintain proficiency in the handling of my docket by continuing to attend Advanced Judicial Education courses.

To maintain my status as a Death Penalty qualified judge.

To continue to find ways to promptly administer justice, balanced against the guaranteed rights of the parties who appear before me.

Helpful Hints for Attorneys

When you E-File documents with the Clerks office, the Judge’s office does not automatically receive a copy

Mail a copy of your filed Motion and Notice of Hearing to the Judge’s Office. Please make sure all Motions are filed prior to setting a hearing.

Mail all proposed Orders direct to the Judge’s office, as the Clerk does not forward those either.

All hearings and in chamber meetings must be coordinated with State Attorney’s Office.

If you would like a Chambers conference prior to court, please call and schedule those ahead of time, NOT the day of the hearing. Also, prior to attending the chambers conference, make sure you have conferred with each other ahead of time.